THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

Otago Witness, Issue 2626, 13 July 1904, Page 19

THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

THE KAISER CREATES A SENSATION. HOW SUSPICION IS ENGENDERED. ALLEGED PLAN FOR INVADING INDIA.

ST. PETERSBURG, July 11

The Kaiser, as honorary colonel of the Wiborg Regiment, telegraphed: — ''Congratulations on the regiment's prospects of meeting the enemy. Sincere wishes accompany it, and may God bless its standards."

The telegram has created a sensation in Russia, many believing it heralds an early cessation of neutrality. Diplomatists associate the telegram with the approaching commercial treaty negotiations. It is understood Russia is prepared to grant concessions in exchange for benevolent neutrality and assistance by loans,- and a continuance of Germany's aid in keeping the enemies of Russia under police surveillance.

LONDON, July 11

The Daily Express publishes the text of General Kourapatkin's secret report to the Czar on the best means of invading India. He advises the employment of a force of 110,000 men, divided into two armies, to march, via Merv, to Kandahar and Samarund to Kabul, utilising; the Bolan and Khybcr Parses. The plan proposes that the conqueror should pacify the Ameer and conciliate Persia. General Kourapatkin remarks that a casus belli can always be found through a collision between Afghan and Russian outposts.

The German fleet has arrived at PlyffiSUth,

The Daily Moil alleges that it has come to watch the mobilisation of the British navy during the manoeuvre 5 ..

13KRLIN, July ]0. Much uneasiness is felt here respecting the despatch of the Kriti-h Far East ."-quadi-on to an unknown destination, especially since it is rumoured ihat Britain has strongly protested to Sl.imboul against the passage of the Dardanelles by the Russian Volunteer fleet.